Appreciating her life helps DJ keep it real

GROWING up listening to the music of Queen, Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, Ramona Kasavan knew she wanted to share her passion for music with the rest of the world.

She pursued her dream of being on radio, a dream that took her to Joburg where she worked at Highveld Stereo. But Kasavan missed her warm, fun and friendly home town of Inanda enough to take up a position at East Coast Radio where she recently started hosting the Midnight Express show.

Kasavan, who considers herself to be a “farm girl” at heart, said she felt the need to be close to her family after what she described as a neardeath experience.

“I felt that I needed to be close to my family. In that helpless moment, I knew that no amount of success would ever make me feel comfortable in Joburg again, so I moved back home when the time was right,” she said.

Speaking about Djing, Kasavan said she had already adjusted to her new routine.

“East Coast Radio is a wonderful station – we are very family-orientated which makes us more appealing to our listeners. I think with the challenges of today, people want to hear real stories and that is what we are about,” she said.

“I love music and I want to help the world. Radio is a brilliant platform to do that.

“I am devoted to the fight against abuse of women and children.”

Kasavan is also studying towards her Master’s in public health communications at the centre for culture, media and society at the University of Kwazulu-natal.

“My research takes me to the townships and communities that make me appreciate life so much more and also keeps me simple.

“When I’m not reading, I’m stressing about university and future projects.

“I often get asked why I study. I study because I have an inquiring mind and when I speak to people I have background knowledge on most topics; you would be amazed how people test your current affairs,” said Kasavan.

She said her aspirations were to empower and inspire people. “I like to keep it real. I come from a hard-working family and my parents have taught me that hard work gives you life’s greatest gifts and that humility is the key to appreciating those gifts.

“I would like to leave a legacy that makes the people of tomorrowsay, ‘I want to go out there and chase my dreams like she did’,” said Kasavan.

“Growing up, my dad taught me to be like a soldier. My family is the rainbow in my life. Having them appreciate my successes makes me who I am, and who I strive to be,” said the passionate community woman.

alyssia.birjalal@inl.co.za